On 6 July 2026, the EU Council is scheduled to hold an exchange of views on the role of women in agriculture, based on a Presidency note prepared for the meeting. The discussion aims to address the under-recognition and under-representation of women in the agri-food sector, timed with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The Presidency note, dated 2 July 2026, sets the stage for Member States to reflect on women's contributions and explore ways to make the sector more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.
The note proposes advancing women's participation, visibility, and formal recognition in agriculture. It suggests introducing practical steps or alternative pathways to ensure equal access and opportunity for women farmers in purchasing, inheriting, or establishing a farm enterprise. Additionally, it calls for supporting the next generation of women in farming to foster talent, innovation, and leadership regardless of gender.
If followed by concrete measures, the exchange could lead to more inclusive and resilient rural communities and agri-food systems. It may encourage Member States to adopt targeted measures addressing barriers to women's land access and farm establishment. The initiative also has the potential to enhance gender equality in agricultural leadership and decision-making, aligning with broader EU sustainability and social goals.
Stakeholders likely to be impacted include women farmers and rural women, who could gain better access to land and farm ownership; national agricultural authorities, which may need to adjust policies or create new support schemes; EU agricultural producers, who could benefit from a more diverse and innovative workforce; and EU consumers, who may see changes in agricultural practices and rural development. The exchange of views is a first step, with no binding outcomes expected at this stage, but it could pave the way for future policy initiatives.